With Art and Media, We Build Human Dignity
Adyan Foundation Launches "Zakiratuna"
A film That Enhances the Syrian Refugees' Sense of Belonging To Their Homeland
On the occasion of the International Refugee Day, Adyan Foundation, an MECC partner, produced with the support of the US Embassy in Lebanon, a documentary entitled “Zakiratuna” written and directed by Michèle Tyan. The film came within the framework of Adyan’s project, which aims, according to it, to “restore and strengthen the positive connection of Syrian refugee children and adolescents with their homeland”, especially those who were born and raised outside Syria, carrying a negative image of their homeland. Thus, the documentary aims also at "collecting and composing some beautiful memories from the older generation and transmitting them to the younger generation…”
One of the film's participants
The launching ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at La Sagesse University in Beirut. The documentary shows a beautiful image of Syria, the homeland and the mother, through golden memories narrated by Syrians who lived years ago in Lebanon. Memories which are full of hope and joy away from negativity, conflicts and war that the Syrian people have always suffered from. Therefore, the documentary comes to enhance the Syrians' sense of belonging to their land, history and identity. It presents, through stories of participants, an image that reflects the diversity of Syrian societies and the richness of its culture and civilization at various levels.
At the invitation of Adyan, the Middle East Council of Churches, represented by our colleague from the Communication and Public Relations Department Elia Nasrallah, participated in this launching ceremony, and congratulates Adyan for this initiative. Noting that MECC adopted the refugee and human issue since its establishment and seeks to preserve human dignity through its various programs. As well as, the MECC believes in the importance of media’s role and mission in advocacy and highlighting human values and the positive and bright sides of any cause or work.
Attendees were also diplomats, representatives of concerned parties and organizations, film crew, some participants in the film, and Syrians who sought refuge in Lebanon far from war... The meeting included a welcoming speech by the host Yazbek Wehbe, followed by two speeches by the President of La Sagesse University, Professor Lara Karam Boustany and Executive Director of Adyan Dr. Elie Al Hindy. The ceremony ended with a discussion session during which Dr. Al Hindy said that the film will be screened in various Lebanese regions.
You can also click here to watch this launching event and the full documentary on “Taadudiya” Facebook page.
